Panasonic PV-GS85 Camcorder Review

by David Kender
Published on Dec 4, 2007 10:31 AM

 
Intro Performance
Format Auto / Manual Controls
Still Features
Handling and Use
Audio / Playback / Connectivity Other Features
Comparisons / Conclusion Photo Gallery
Specs and Ratings


Ease of Use (6.0)
When it comes to user-friendliness, Panasonic camcorders usually reside on the opposite end of the spectrum from Sony’s Easy mode. For an entry-level MiniDV camcorder, the PV-GS85 is a powerhouse, offering a full suite of manual controls and OIS. There is no distinct Easy mode on any Panasonic, however the PV-GS85 can be shifted into Auto mode, which whittles the menu down significantly. However, more experienced shooters will want to take advantage of the lavish garden that is the PV-GS85’s manual control arsenal. Beginners might feel intimidated or confused when attempting to make manual adjustments—what other entry-level camcorder offers manual gain?

There is one potential stumbling block for beginners here. The PV-GS85, in fact all Panasonics, lack a simple exposure up/down tool. Nearly every other manufacturer offers this option. Instead, Panasonic gives you the more powerful method of independent shutter and aperture, which requires some basic knowledge as to: 1) what these terms mean, and 2) how they affect image quality. While the expert control is certainly appreciated, it is a peculiarity worth noting in this section.

The PV-GS85’s menu is clean and simplified, and options are laid out intuitively. All manual controls can be accessed via the Joystick menu, which is instantly activated in one touch. The joystick also governs manual controls, such as Focus and Exposure, and proves superior to Sony’s touch screen interfaces.

For those leaning toward a MiniDV camcorder, it’s important to consider a few key factors before rushing out to Best Buy. We’ll start with the pros. MiniDV tapes can hold up to an hour of footage and have a long shelf life. There is no agonizing over accidental deletion, like with an HDD or DVD camcorder—just be sure not to record over any prized footage. Now for the cons. In an NLE, MiniDV captures in real time, meaning if you have an hour of footage that needs to be imported, you’ll have to wait an hour. In addition, tapes need to be rewound and cued up just like a VCR. This may be difficult for those who have fully embraced the 21st century. All in all, the MiniDV format is highly compatible with most NLEs and tapes can be stored for years. DVD camcorders just aren’t even a match.

Handling (7.0)
The handling on the Panasonic PV-GS85 is a study of contrasts – some of the best and the worst design decisions we’ve seen in recent years are all right here. One of the better choices is the rear-mounted joystick, which allows for one-handed operation of nearly all manual controls and menu options. The intrinsic sensibility of a joystick must have made sense to more people than just us, because nearly all the manufacturers have adopted it.

We also like the menu design. True, it may be not intuitive to those who’ve never operated a camera, but once you surpass the learning curve, it’s the fasted, smartest menu design in use on a consumer camcorder today.

Then there’s the bad. Why Panasonic ever decided to place their ports in the battery cavity is a mystery, but it causes all sorts of problems for practical shooting. If you’re running low on battery and taping something like a school concert, there’s no way to change over to DC power without removing the battery and turning off the power. If you’re out shooting and you want to transfer video to your computer, the FireWire is blocked by the battery. We’re mentioning it a lot in this review because it’s a real problem, and a stupid one that could easily have been spotted in the initial design. The hand strap is no great joy either, made thin and cheap, and poorly placed so as to make the camcorder always tip left.

All in all, a mixed bag.

Menu (6.5)
Panasonics feature some of the best menu architecture on the market. They’re lightning quick, intuitively laid out, and easy to navigate through with the rear-mounted joystick. The PV-GS85, being an entry-level camcorder, is not chock full of options. The whittled administrative menu is also due in part to the Joystick Menu, activated by simply pressing the center of the joystick. The following options are available in the Joystick menu:

Joystick Menu
Joystick 1 Fades, Backlight Compensation, Info
Joystick 2 Soft Skin Mode, MagicPix
Joystick 3 Playback, Blank Search
Joystick 4 Iris, White Balance, Shutter Speed
Joystick 5 Manual Focus

In order to access the Administrative (or Main) Menu, press the Menu button, located above the Light button. The Administrative Menu contains the following options:

Main Menu (Video Mode)
Basic Scene Mode, Record Speed, Wind Cut, Aspect, Clock Set
Advanced Picture Quality, OIS, Guide Lines, Fade Color, Audio Record, Digital Zoom, Zoom Mic
Setup Display, Date/Time, Power Save, Quick Start, Beep Sound, LCD Set, EVF Set, Initial Set, Demo Mode
Language English, Francais, Espanol

Portability (5.0)
In terms of dimensions and weight, the PV-GS85 is nearly identical to Panasonic’s top of the line PV-GS320. Measuring 78.5mm x 72.6mm x 136.1mm (3.09” x 2.86” x 5.36”) and tipping the scale at 449g (.99 lbs.), the PV-GS85 will fit inside a medium size camcorder bag. Make sure you stock up on MiniDV tapes and a backup battery. You’ll also want to leave room for the AC adapter and miscellaneous cables such as FireWire and AV.

 

The 2.7-inch LCD

  

The extendable viewfinder

LCD and Viewfinder (5.5)
The PV-GS85 is equipped with a 2.7-inch LCD screen with a 123,000 pixel display. The LCD screen extends outward 90 degrees from the body of the camcorder and rotates up to 270 degrees. Unlike most manufacturers that embed playback or recording controls within the LCD panel, Panasonic leaves the PV-GS85’s LCD panel barren (a place that could easily have been used as a home for the DC power, USB, and FireWire ports rather than the battery cavity).

An extendable viewfinder is also part of the deal, which is a rarity these days. The PV-GS85’s viewfinder is not rubberized and does not pivot upward, however it extends a good inch from the back of the camcorder. The viewfinder is capable of a 113,000 pixel display, and proves a viable alternative in situations where the LCD screen will just not cut it, such as shooting under a glaring sun.

Battery Life (10.7)
We tested the life of the PV-GS85's CGR-DU06 rechargeable battery pack by recording continuously in manual mode with the LCD flipped open and OIS disabled. When the tape ran out of time, the external power supply was plugged in while the tape was rewound. In total, the PV-GS85's battery lasted 107 minutes and 22 seconds (1 hour, 47 minutes, and 22 seconds). This is an admirable performance for such a small battery pack, and an additional upgraded size pack should suffice for most shooters.

 

 

 

 

 



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